When starting a business as an LLC in Kentucky, you will first need to fill out and file the Articles of Organization with the Kentucky Secretary of State.
Although this filing may seem overly complex at first, with proper research and following our steps to complete the Kentucky LLC Articles of Organization, you can be done in no time.
Featured LLC Formation Services
Best for beginners
Pricing: $0 + State Fees
Best overall pricing
Pricing: $0 + State Fees
Best privacy protection
Pricing: $39 + State Fees
Steps To Fill Out The Kentucky LLC Articles Of Organization
To file the Kentucky Articles of Organization, you will need to submit a completed Form KLC to the Kentucky Secretary of State. The form can be downloaded and sent by mail or filed online.
In this example, we’ll go over the online Kentucky LLC filing process, so to get started, let’s visit the Kentucky Secretary of State’s website.
Step 1: Choose the Type of LLC
In our first step, we are asked to select the type of LLC to create. These include:
Profit: Most common type and refers to any LLC with an intention to sell products or services that don’t require special licensing.
Professional LLC: Similar to the for-profit LLC, businesses that require occupational licensing in Kentucky, such as accountants, architects, veterinarians, etc., have the option of filing for a Professional Limited Liability Company (PLLC) instead of an LLC. Filing for a PLLC is very similar to that of an LLC.
Non-Profit: Non-profit LLCs are reserved for businesses that have a charitable aim.
Step 2: Pick a Name for the LLC
The next step is to pick a business name. A Kentucky LLC name must meet a couple of requirements.
1. The name of your LLC must not be too similar to the name of another business entity already registered with the state of Kentucky. You can verify name availability by doing a Kentucky LLC name search with the Kentucky Secretary of State to be sure the LLC name is available.
2. The name of the LLC must include one of the following entity identifiers at the end of the business name:
– Limited Liability Company
– Limited Liability Co.
– Ltd. Liability Company
– Ltd. Liability Co.
– Limited Company
– Ltd. Company
– Limited Co.
– Ltd. Co.
– LLC
– L.L.C.
– LC
– L.C.
Enter the LLC name, including the identifier, to continue. If you choose a name that is taken, the Secretary of State will return your application, so be sure to research that the name is available before submitting.
Step 3: Enter an Email Address
In this section, enter an email address.
I recommend using an email address that you often check. The Secretary of State will send important information regarding the LLC, especially their reminder to file the Kentucky LLC annual report.
Step 4: Select the Management Structure of the LLC
The next step provides information regarding whether the LLC is Manager-Managed or Member-Managed.
A Member-Managed LLC is one where the members are involved with the day-to-day operations of the business. Many LLCs are operated and run by the owner, in which case they would be Member-Managed.
A Manager-Managed LLC refers to a Limited Liability Company that hires a manager to run the business, similar to hiring a CEO of a corporation.
Step 5: Veteran Status
If any of the LLC’s members are veterans, this box can be selected. The benefits of being a veteran-owned LLC are that there is no filing fee for the Articles of Organization and no filing fee for the annual report for the first four years.
Step 6: Enter the LLCs Principal Address for the LLC
The principal address may be, but is not required to be, the actual place of the business to the physical street address or the main location where the business records are kept.
A physical address in the State must be used, as P.O. Boxes are not acceptable.
Step 7: Choose the Effective Start Date
An option to choose an effective date (starting date) is available for up to 90 days in the future. Some will delay the effective date (starting date) of the LLC if they aren’t ready to start the business but want the filing out of the way. Others will delay the start date if the filing is being done at the end of a calendar year and don’t expect there to be any business activity, which eliminates filing a tax return.
By default, the effective date is the day the Secretary of State files the formation paperwork. Otherwise, enter a different start date.
Step 8: Signature of the Organizers
The Organizer is someone involved with the LLC formation. The Organizer is often the business owner but may or may not be a member, such as a mentor, attorney, or accountant. Any of the initial member(s) could be listed as an organizer.
Step 9: Appoint a Registered Agent
One requirement to have an LLC in Kentucky is to appoint a Kentucky Registered Agent. The registered agent is a party that is physically located in the state of Kentucky that will receive important notices and service of process (which means to accept papers that start a lawsuit) on behalf of the LLC.
Provided the LLC member or any adult resident that will be available at a Kentucky address during normal business hours they may act as the Registered Agent (choose Individual), or the agent can be a Registered Agent Service (choose Entity).
Related: Should you be the registered agent?
Enter the street address of the initial registered office, which is the address of the registered agent. A PO Box is not allowed. Next, provide the individual’s name who will act as the Registered Agent or the name of the Registered Agent service.
Next, the Registered Agent (or the Organizer) will acknowledge that the Registered Agent agrees to serve as the LLC’s agent.
Step 10: File the Form
Next, you can upload the standard form or your own PDF. If you are unsure, the standard form is likely the best choice.
Then, by clicking on the Next button, the organizer will have the opportunity to review the Articles of Organization. If all of the information is correct, they will continue to payment.
After paying the state’s filing fee, the Kentucky LLC Articles of Organization will be filed!
- ZenBusiness – Easiest for beginners (starting at $0 plus state fees)
- Bizee – Best prices for additional business services (starting at $0 plus state fees)
- Northwest – Best privacy protection ($39 plus state fees)
Kentucky LLC FAQs
How much does a Kentucky LLC cost?
The cost to file the Articles of Organization and form an LLC in Kentucky is $40.
If the LLC is veteran-owned, the state filing fee is waived!
How long does it take to form a Kentucky LLC?
The state normally processes the Kentucky LLC paperwork in one business day when filing online or about one week when filing by mail.
Do Kentucky LLCs require an operating agreement?
Under Kentucky law, statute § 275-180 states that an LLC operating agreement is optional. Although it isn’t required, it is recommended that most LLCs have one, as it can help prevent disputes among members and better protect the LLC’s legal status.
